[Exclusive] Uesaka Sumire Touhou Project Cosplay Photoshoot Interview (Part 2) (English Translation)

[My Ears Can't Stop Listening to the Gameboy Sounds!] Uesaka Sumire and Video Game Music & How She Knew About Touhou Music Arrangement

(This is fan-made English translation of Touhou Garakuta's interview. For the original interview and more photoshoots please visit here: https://touhougarakuta.com/interview/uesakasumire_2)

The first time 28-years-old Uesaka Sumire-san's encounter with video game music was from playing Gameboy when she was in elementary school. 

Actually, this is the first time we heard Touhou Project's original song playing from Sumipe's personal smartphone(!). She's doing the photoshoot in high spirit while listening to the song. We will now find out about the connection between Sumipe and video game music.

Uesaka Sumire and Video Game Music & How She Knew About Touhou Music Arrangements

--In your previous interview, we saw a statement that you have been liking video games since your childhood, and it was because "I can keep playing video games because the music keeps ringing in my ears". Can you please elaborate on that?

Uesaka: When I was a child, I didn't have many chance to watch television, so I didn't keep up with the trends too much. Also, I didn't know much about pop music trends. 

So in that period, I tend to listen to the video game music repeatedly. I can't really explain it, but I think my brain got used to listen to the music, and now I feel familiar listening to video game musics. 

Especially, I loved playing Gameboy back then, so I grew to like those beep-beep sounds. 

I've been playing it since kindergarten, so I feel special affection from its sounds. Even now, those sounds make me to calm down.

--I'm also from the same generation (as Uesaka-san), and I think there were many sounds from the Gameboy that I couldn't stop listening to, just as you said. Even if I turned off the power and go to sleep, the sounds just kept ringing in my ears...

Uesaka: Right! Right! Especially "Pokemon" sounds, where its sounds felt like being left behind in my ears, and the ringing won't stop. That's kinda normal for that generation, right? 

By the way, my first video game was "Pocket Monster". "Pokemon Red" was the first one I played, but since I didn't have friends to do the Pokemon Exchange, I also bought "Pokemon Green" and performed the exchange by myself (laughs). 

Other game I played would be "Final Fantasy". I remembered that the supermarket in my neighborhood sold the Final Fantasy set that includes IV, V, and VI, so I bought and played it. That's why, I was so happy that I could become the voice cast of the recent remake production (note: Final Fantasy VII Remake). 

I also played few recent video games, but my eyesight is getting worse so probably they were the cause (laughs). At the same time, I can make more memories revolving my favorite video game music, so it's very important to me. 

By the way, recently I often play the "Yakuza" series, "Animal Crossing", and many others. 

--And then, you started having a deep impression to Touhou Project music when you were in middle school. Is that correct?

Uesaka: Yes. At the time, the song "Final Savage Sister, Flandre S." is really popular, so I remember listening to it a lot. Other than that, the song "Night of Nights" is used in so many videos, so I also listened to that everyday. 

Also, since the song "Marisa Stole the Precious Thing" was available on karaoke places, I tried my best to sing it even though the lyrics are so fast (laughs).

--Is there any other Touhou songs you like to sing in karaoke for now?

Uesaka: Since recent events (related to COVID-19), I haven't been going to karaoke lately, but for now I like to sing "Donations♥Please". I love that song.

--By the way, do you have any favorite Touhou Music Circle, Uesaka-san?

Uesaka: I really like Beat Mario-san (COOL&CREATE)! Their vocal is really cool!

I've been their fan for long, so I took the opportunity to ask them to make a song for my album. Also, in one of internet program (Touhou Station), I had the chance to meet Mario-san which I really admired, so I was very happy. 

--For that part... I'm sure Mario-san will be pleased. When this article comes out, I'm sure Mario-san will share it, I can see it...

Uesaka: I wonder about that (laughs). I will be happy if they do that.

The relationship between Uesaka-san and video game music has been going on since she was a child. We can see how its involvement shaped her into how she is right now. 

And for the next part, we will talk about Uesaka-san's private cosplay which she hasn't talked to anyone before, and the time where she went to Reitaisai for the first time (note: The Annual Hakurei Shrine Grand Festival). Also, we will see one more costume specially designed for this special interview!

Please look forward to the next issue, where we will see Uesaka-san's love for Touhou is deeper than we imagined.